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been dead now," said Nattie. "I thank him, every minute, that I am spared; for surely I was not fit to die."

Tears started again.

"I would not try to talk much to-night," said the young woman. "I will give you a soothing drink, which, I hope, will enable you to sleep, and thus get refreshed. When you are better, you shall tell us about your late misfortunes, if you choose,'and we will render you all the assistance that we can."

"I must not stay here, in your nice house, to make you work and trouble," said Nattie; "but you are very good, to do so much for me as you have done already."

"You must stay here till you get well, unless some of your friends call for you before that time," said the husband; "and we shall not think it any trouble to take care of you. I once had a young sister who got lost, and when I see little girls of her age, I think of her, and wonder